China targets Western materials in C919 jets, expands domestic sourcing drive

China is expanding its campaign to replace Western components in the C919 commercial jet beyond engines to include industrial materials such as sealants, rubber, paints, bolts and cleaning agents, according to a senior aerospace engineer.

Zhang Xiaoyan, chief engineer at the Aero Engine Corporation of China's Beijing Institute of Aeronautical Materials, outlined the broadening localisation effort at an aviation forum in Guangzhou last week. The push aims to reduce the C919's reliance on imported parts as Beijing navigates supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical tensions.

Comac's progress amid Western dependencies

The C919 entered commercial service in May 2023 and by July had accumulated 42 deliveries to domestic carriers. The narrowbody jet sits at the centre of China's strategy to challenge the Boeing-Airbus duopoly in the world's second-largest aviation market.

Yet an industry insider acknowledged that cutting dependence on Western suppliers remains a complex, long-term undertaking despite recent advances in the localisation programme. The gradual shift toward domestic components could see future Chinese aircraft models and engines incorporate an increasing share of locally sourced parts.

EU certification unaffected

The localisation strategy is not expected to derail the C919's pursuit of European Union safety approval, according to the industry insider. The comment signals Beijing's confidence that substituting Western materials will not compromise the aircraft's bid to secure international airworthiness certification, a critical step for sales beyond China's borders.

The C919's development has long faced scrutiny over its dependence on foreign technology, particularly engines and avionics supplied by Western firms. China's move to indigenise even ancillary materials underscores the breadth of its effort to build a self-sufficient aerospace supply chain capable of insulating the programme from external disruption.

Source: South China Morning Post